The Trump administration has proposed changes to the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program affecting au pairs and their host families. The U.S. State Department introduced these updates, aiming for stricter rules and updated requirements for program extensions.

Updates for Au Pairs and Sponsors

The proposed rules focus on:

• Requiring au pair extension requests 90 days before program expiration
• Maintaining current 6-, 9-, and 12-month extension options
• Mandating sponsors verify the completion of educational requirements
• Introducing criteria for program termination for unauthorized work, false information, or visa revocation
• Providing a 10-day period to challenge certain termination decisions
• Implementing stricter tracking and compliance measures through SEVIS

Au pairs in the U.S. engage in cultural exchange while providing childcare under the J-1 Visa Program. Changes would place au pairs under the same extension rules as other J-1 visa holders, requiring sponsors to request extensions through SEVIS with supporting documents at least three months ahead.

Regulatory Aims

This proposal aligns with the administration’s efforts to streamline and create consistency across temporary visa programs. Removal of the separate au pair extension aims to maintain consistency and efficiency.

Implications for Host Families

These changes follow a period of tension regarding the au pair program. In 2025, visa processing for J-1 visitors was temporarily paused to review procedures, affecting families relying on au pairs. In 2023, around 21,000 au pairs participated in the U.S. program, with roughly 348,000 entrants under J-1 categories.

While supporters emphasize the childcare and cultural benefits, critics demand increased oversight and compliance in the J-1 system.

Next Steps

The State Department has opened a public comment period for 60 days, starting from the proposal’s publication in the Federal Register. If finalized, these rules will impact sponsor organizations, current participants requesting extensions, and families planning for continued au pair services. The new 90-day filing requirement could influence how families plan extensions.